Electricity use dropped dramatically in Ontario between 5:55 and 6 a.m. Friday, coinciding with the time Kate Middleton arrived at Westminster Abbey.

Electricity use dropped dramatically in Ontario between 5:55 and 6 a.m. Friday, coinciding with the time Kate Middleton arrived at Westminster Abbey.

The Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO), the non-profit corporation that balances the supply and demand for Ontario’s power, recorded a 300 megawatt drop in this time.

“What would happen is that people going about their normal morning routines would stop whatever they were doing, rather than make breakfast or shower, and watch the TV,” said IESO spokeswoman Martine Holmsen

A similar drop happens during important hockey games, Holmsen added.

To put it in context, 300 megawatts is more power than the entire city of Guelph would use at peak time during the summer. According to Holmsen, Guelph would use about 260 megawatts at peak time.

Overall power use in Toronto went up 70 megawatts or 3.5 per cent between 3 a.m. and 9 a.m., according to Toronto Hydro.

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